Children desire attention and a safe environment for comprehensive development

On the afternoon of October 17, the Dong Nai Provincial People’s Committee held the 2025 Children’s Forum themed “Listening to Children’s Voices.” The forum brought together 144 delegates representing children across the province.

Pham Thi Mai Huong, Deputy Director of the Department of Health and Deputy Head of the Forum’s Organizing Committee, discusses issues of concern to children. Photo: Nga Son

The Dong Nai Provincial People’s Committee organized the 2025 Children’s Forum under the theme “Listening to Children’s Voices” to provide an opportunity for children to meet, share their thoughts, opinions, and aspirations with one another and with adults.

Child delegates attend the forum. Photo: Nga Son

Deputy Director of the Department of Health Pham Thi Mai Huong, who is also Deputy Head of the Organizing Committee, expressed her hope that the child delegates would actively exercise their right of participation by voicing their opinions and recommendations, enabling leaders of provincial departments and sectors to better understand children’s thoughts, aspirations, and concerns.

The ideas shared at the forum will serve as an important basis for departments and local authorities to develop plans and formulate appropriate policies for the protection, care, and education of children, ensuring the effective implementation of children’s rights as prescribed by law.

A child delegate speaks at the forum. Photo: Nga Son

Psychologist Dr. Vu Thien Toan shares information and provides guidance on issues of concern to children at the forum. Photo: Nga Son

At the forum, 144 child delegates, along with representatives from various departments, agencies, and psychology experts, engaged in discussions on a wide range of topics such as: children’s rights and voices; prevention of abuse and school violence; drowning prevention; online safety for children; physical and psychological changes during puberty; gender equality; and anti-discrimination.

The child delegates also expressed their wish for authorities at all levels, families, and schools to pay greater attention to children and to create a safe and healthy environment that fosters their comprehensive development.

Based on the opinions shared by child delegates, as well as the responses and guidance from departments and experts, the Department of Health, acting as the advisory body to the Provincial People’s Committee in organizing the forum, will compile all feedback and send detailed written responses to the children. The department will also report the forum’s outcomes to the Provincial People’s Committee.

By Nga Son – Translated by Trieu Ngan, Thu Ha